Deputies find man accused of killing his aunt hiding in a tree

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man accused of killing his aunt and attacking his uncle was found hiding in a tree.

On Tuesday morning, William Bradham called the Walker County Sheriff's Office for help, saying he and his wife had been attacked. Deputies arrived at the home in the 4700 block of FM 1374 to find Linda Bradham, 61, dead in a bedroom. She appeared to have suffered some cutting wounds as well as blunt force trauma to her head and upper body.

William Bradham told deputies that his nephew had killed his wife and attacked him, choking him until he passed out. He added that he believed the nephew was probably still on the property.

Deputies found Todd Leatherland, 36, hiding in a tree on the property. Leatherland, in an attempt to flee from officers, jumped from the tree and was then detained by the deputies.

Authorities found a large knife inside the home believed to be the murder weapon.

William Bradham was transported to Huntsville Memorial Hospital where he was treated for injuries he received during the assault. Leatherland suffered injuries as a result of the fall and was transported to Huntsville Memorial Hospital and later to St. Joseph's Hospital in Bryan, Texas, for treatment.

A joint investigation is being conducted by the Walker County Sheriff s Office, the Walker County District Attorney's Office and the Texas Rangers.